Cosmetic Product Applicator, In Particular for Mascara, and Associated Applicator Assembly

ABSTRACT

An applicator ( 10 ) for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, having a core ( 12 ) extending in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred to as an axis of extension (X), and protrusions ( 30 ) projecting from the core ( 12 ) in directions that are substantially radial to the axis of extension (X). The protrusions ( 30 ) are moulded to the core ( 12 ). The free ends of the protrusions ( 30 ) form at least two envelopes (E1, E2) overlapping along the axis of extension (X), a first helical envelope (E1) formed by a first plurality of protrusions ( 31 ) and a second helical envelope (E2) formed by a second plurality of protrusions ( 32 ). The second envelope (E2) from the axis of extension (X), a radial extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the first envelope (E1).

The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, and to an associated applicator assembly.

Said applicators are normally referred to as “mascara brushes”.

Said applicators may be obtained from fibrous elements held between the longitudinal portions of a twisted metal pin; they are then normally referred to as “twisted brushes”. Said applicators may also be injection-moulded from plastics material; they are then normally referred to as “plastic brushes”.

The invention proposes producing a plastic brush of which the protrusions, by means of their ends, form a complex envelope, having features that are advantageous with respect to make-up.

Therefore, the invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core extending in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred to as the axis of extension, and protrusions projecting from said core in directions that are substantially radial to the axis of extension, the protrusions being moulded to the core.

According to the invention, the free ends of the protrusions form at least two envelopes overlapping along the axis of extension, a first helical envelope formed by a first plurality of protrusions, and a second envelope formed by a second plurality of protrusions, the second envelope having, from the axis of extension, a radial extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the first envelope.

The plastic brush of the invention therefore provides a specific arrangement of protrusions that provides specific advantages for distributing mascara, along the entire length of the brush, for example with regard to functions such as loading or combing the lashes. This arrangement improves the effects of thickening the eyelashes, lengthening the eyelashes and/or separating the eyelashes caused by applying mascara using the brush of the invention.

Furthermore, a plastic brush having such overlapping of complex envelopes is produced using methods that are less expensive and quicker than if said envelopes had to be produced on a twisted brush.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or in isolation:

-   -   said core has a distal end and a proximal end,     -   the protrusions are distributed over the entire periphery of         said core,     -   the protrusions are distributed over a substantial portion of         the length of said core from the distal end,     -   the proximal end is a cylindrical coupling without any         protrusions,     -   the first and second envelopes extend from the distal end to the         proximal end,     -   the protrusions of said first and second envelopes form a         chamfer in the vicinity of the distal end,     -   the core is made of plastics material,     -   the protrusions are made of plastics material,     -   the core and the protrusions are moulded in a continuous manner         from the same material,     -   said envelopes are in the shape of a screw, around the axis of         extension, in the shape of a helix having a circular cross         section,     -   the protrusions of at least one of the envelopes are arranged in         rows, referred to as radial rows, the radial rows each being         spaced apart from one another along the core,     -   a plurality of rows, referred to as mixed rows, of said radial         rows comprises protrusions of each of the envelopes,     -   said mixed rows comprise as many protrusions having the smallest         radial extension as protrusions having the largest radial         extension,     -   the protrusions have a semi-circular cross section,     -   the protrusions each have a planar surface,     -   the protrusions are positioned such that the planar surfaces of         two adjacent protrusions are oriented in the same direction of         rotation,     -   the protrusions each extend along a normal of the axis of the         core,     -   the protrusions are rectilinear,     -   the core has a constant cross section,     -   the core is solid, and     -   the applicator forms a brush.

Advantageously, the invention also relates to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle comprising a member forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator as described above that is suitable for being attached to the receptacle, such that the applicator is received inside the container.

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, features and advantages thereof will become more clearly apparent upon reading the following detailed explanatory description of at least one embodiment of the invention which is given by way of non-limiting and purely illustrative example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front layout of an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a cross section along the axis A-A shown in FIG. 1.

The invention relates to an applicator 10 for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core 12 extending in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred to as an axis of extension and denoted as X in FIG. 1.

The core 12 has a first end, referred to as the proximal end 13, which is capable of being attached to an applicator rod by means of a cylindrical coupling 14 extending said core 12, and a second free end, referred to as the distal end 16. Said cylindrical coupling 14 makes it possible for the applicator 10 to be attached to a rod (not shown).

The applicator 10 further comprises a plurality of protrusions 30 that project from the core 12 in directions that are substantially radial to the axis of extension X.

The free ends of the protrusions 30 form at least two envelopes E1, E2 overlapping along the axis of extension X, a first helical envelope El formed by a first plurality of protrusions 31 and a second helical envelope E2 formed by a second plurality of protrusions 32, the second envelope E2 having, from the axis of extension X, a radial extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the first envelope E1. The radial extension of an envelope E1, E2, and therefore of the protrusions 31, 32 that make up said envelope, is the distance between the axis of extension X and the free end of said protrusion 31, 32.

The first and second envelopes E1, E2 preferably extend from the distal end 16 to the proximal end 13 of the core.

The applicator according to the invention has protrusions 31, 32 which have respective radial extensions L31 and L32 and comply with the following formula:

1.25≦^(L31/) ₃₂≦2.5

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, some of the protrusions 31 that form the envelope E1 have a radial extension L31 that is substantially equal to 4.75 mm for example. Some of the protrusions 32 that form the envelope E2 have, on the other hand, a radial extension L32 that is substantially equal to 3.3 mm for example. In this case, in each of the envelopes E1, E2 there are protrusions 31′, 32′ having an intermediate radial extension (see FIG. 2).

In the following, a radial row of protrusions 30 is understood to mean a row of protrusions 30 that are arranged around the core 12, in the same plane that is orthogonal to the core, said plane cutting the core in a direction that is substantially circular in this case.

A parallel row of protrusions 30 is understood to mean a row of protrusions 30 that are arranged along the core 12, in the same line, said line being substantially parallel to the axis of extension X.

Therefore, the helical envelopes E1, E2 overlap one another. In the embodiment shown here, said envelopes are defined by the angular offset of the protrusions 31, 32 that form said envelopes. In other words, a radial row of protrusions 30 comprises protrusions belonging both to the plurality of protrusions 31 forming the envelope E1 and to the plurality of protrusions 32 forming the envelope E2.

Furthermore, two successive radial rows comprise the same number of protrusions and are angularly offset, with respect to one another, along the axis of extension X. This angular offset makes possible the formation of the helical envelopes E1, E2 in this case. Advantageously, two successive radial rows are the image of one another by rotation about the axis of extension X. This is the case whether along the entire core 12 between the proximal end 13 thereof and the distal end 16 thereof, or only on a portion of the core 12, in particular a portion extending from the proximal end 13 to an intermediate portion of the core 12 which is located between the proximal end 13 and the distal end 16, the envelope formed by the protrusions present on the remainder of the core 12 then optionally being in the shape of a chamfer or having a frustoconical shape.

In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the following sequence can be seen along the axis of extension X: two radial rows having the same angular pitch around the core 12, then two other radial rows angularly pitched therebetween but offset with respect to the two first radial rows, then a further two other radial rows angularly pitched therebetween and angularly offset with respect to the two preceding rows and to the two first rows, the protrusions 30 of the two previous rows being aligned here, in the direction of the core, with the protrusions 30 of the two first rows.

The number of two radial rows pitched in the same manner but offset with respect to the rows directly adjacent may vary; therefore, according to other embodiments (not shown), the following sequences are possible, along the axis of extension X: x radial rows having the same angular pitch around the core 12, then y other radial rows angularly pitched therebetween but offset with respect to the x first radial rows, then x other radial rows angularly pitched therebetween and angularly offset with respect to the y preceding rows and to the x first rows, having an optional alignment in the direction of the core; x and y comply with the formula: 1≦x,y ≦5.

This means that a parallel row of protrusions 30 also comprises protrusions belonging both to the plurality of protrusions 31 forming the envelope El and to the plurality of protrusions 32 forming the envelope E2.

A mixed row is understood to mean a radial row that comprises protrusions 30 of each of the envelopes E1, E2. The cross section in FIG. 2 shows a mixed row of this kind.

Said mixed row comprises an alternation of protrusions 31 of the first type with protrusions 32 of the second type. More precisely, it can be seen in this case that three protrusions 31, 31′ of the first type alternate with three protrusions 32, 32′ of the second type and that this alternation is sequential.

Even more precisely, each group of three protrusions 31, 32 comprises a protrusion 31′, 32′ having an intermediate radial extension, said protrusion 31′, 32′ being flanked by two protrusions 31, 32 of the same type. Said protrusions 31′, 32′, referred to as intermediate protrusions, form superficial containers of cosmetic product within the envelope E1, E2 thereof, said superficial containers extending along the main axis X.

In other words, the envelope E2 forms a helical path inside the envelope E1, which envelope is also a helix. In other words again, the envelopes E1, E2 each comprise a central, helical path, formed by the protrusions 31′, 32′ having an intermediate radial extension. Said central path is less visible with respect to the envelope E1, E2 thereof than the path formed by the second envelope E2 with respect to the first envelope E1.

Alternatively, an applicator 10 according to the invention could be formed by an axial sequence of mixed rows, each of said mixed rows comprising a higher number of protrusions 31 defining the first helical envelope El than protrusions 32 defining the second helical envelope E2, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the associated applicator assembly comprises a receptacle. Said receptacle, according to the invention, generally comprises a wiper attached to the inside of the neck thereof in order to limit the amount of product on the protrusions 30, in particular those having the radial longest extensions, that is to say the protrusions 31. Said protrusions are therefore used for combing the eyelashes, while the protrusions 32, which have a shorter radial extension and are only wiped to a small degree, are used to load the eyelashes with cosmetic product.

Furthermore, said envelopes E1, E2 are in the shape of a screw, around the axis of extension X. In other words, the envelopes E1, E2 are in the shape of a helix having a circular cross section and having a pitch to the right, or to the left, in particular from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 16. This shows the advantage of adding a guiding effect for combing the eyelashes.

Thus, the effect associated with alternating the two types of envelopes E1, E2 around a core 12 is particularly advantageous. It enables the user to benefit from loading areas, that is to say the areas created by the envelope E2, and areas for combing the eyelashes, that is to say the areas created by the envelope E1, by simply rotating the applicator 10 about the axis of extension X thereof.

In other words, the loading and combing regions follow one another around the core 12 of the applicator 10 in the form of envelopes E1, E2 overlapping one another, along the entire length of said core.

In other words again, the loading and combing regions follow one another, axially and angularly, along and around the axis X of the applicator 10, while guiding the eyelashes of a user without said user having to move the applicator so as to be in parallel with the row of eyelashes to which they are applying make-up, this occurring due to the helical shape of the envelopes E1, E2.

It should be noted that the protrusions 30 are moulded to the core 12. In other words, the protrusions 30 may be integrally formed with the core 12 or also overmoulded on the core 12.

Furthermore, in order to simplify production of such an applicator 10, the protrusions 30 may have a semi-circular cross section. Said protrusions therefore preferably each have a planar surface. Said protrusions 30 are positioned in this case such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions are oriented in the same direction of rotation about the core 12. Furthermore, still in order to simplify production, the protrusions 30 are preferably rectilinear and each extend along a normal to the axis of the core 12.

The protrusions 30 are preferably integrally formed with the core 12. Thus, the core 12 and the protrusions 30 may be moulded from an LDPE (low density polyethylene)-based material. Other materials may also be used, i.e. the material “Exact” from ExxonMobil or the material “Hytrel” by DuPont, or a mixture of said materials.

It should be noted that the applicator 10 advantageously forms a brush.

It should also be noted that the core 12 preferably has a constant cross section, at least in the shape thereof in which the cross section is substantially circular. This shape may, however, be a polygon, or even an ellipsoid, without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should again be noted that the core is solid. Said core could, however, be hollow, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention also relates to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle (not shown) comprising a member forming a container containing the cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 as described above that is suitable for being attached to the receptacle, such that the applicator is received inside the container. Said applicator 10 is attached, for example, to the end of a rod (not shown), said rod in turn being attached to a cap (not shown) that is advantageously screwed to the receptacle. After assembly, the cylindrical coupling 14 is located in the rod and the proximal end 13 of the core forms the visible proximal end of the applicator.

It should be noted that the protrusions 31, 32 of said first and second envelopes E1, E2 form a chamfer in the vicinity of the distal end 16; this occurs in order to simplify the reinsertion of the applicator 10 according to the invention, towards the inside of the container, after use.

It should also be noted that variants are of course possible. In particular, in an additional embodiment, the applicator 10 of the invention comprises a number of envelopes other than two; that is to say, a lower number, for example a single helical envelope overlapping with a cylindrical envelope, or a higher number, for example three overlapping helical envelopes, therefore three pluralities of protrusions each defining one of the three helical envelopes, each having protrusions having a radial extension different from the two others. 

1. Applicator for cosmetic product, in particular for mascara, comprising a core extending in a main direction of longitudinal extension, referred to as the axis of extension (X), and protrusions projecting from said core in directions that are substantially radial to the axis of extension (X), the protrusions being moulded to the core, characterised in that the free ends of the protrusions form at least two envelopes (E1, E2) overlapping along the axis of extension (X), a first helical envelope (E1) formed by a first plurality of protrusions, and a second envelope (E2) formed by a second plurality of protrusions, the second envelope (E2) having, from the axis of extension (X), a radial extension that is smaller than the radial extension of the first envelope (E1).
 2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said envelopes (E1, E2) are in the shape of a screw, around the axis of extension (X), in the shape of a helix having a circular cross section.
 3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of at least one of the envelopes (E1, E2) are arranged in rows, referred to as radial rows, the radial rows each being spaced apart from one another along the core (12).
 4. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of rows, referred to as mixed rows, of said radial rows comprises protrusions of each of the envelopes (E1, E2).
 5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein said mixed rows comprise as many protrusions having the smallest radial extension as protrusions having the largest radial extension.
 6. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions have a semi-circular cross section.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions each have a planar surface.
 8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein the protrusions are positioned such that the planar surfaces of two adjacent protrusions are oriented in the same direction of rotation.
 9. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core has a constant cross section.
 10. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a receptacle comprising a member forming a container intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator according to claim 1 that is suitable for being attached to the receptacle, such that the applicator is received inside the container. 